Wall blocks, veneer panels for wall blocks and method of constructing walls

ABSTRACT

Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/893,308, filedSep. 29, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/246,805, filed Sep. 29, 2009, entitled “Wall Blocks, VeneerPanels for Wall Blocks and Method of Construction Walls”, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/253,987, filed Oct. 22, 2009, entitled“Wall Blocks, Veneer Panels for Wall Blocks and Method of ConstructionWalls” the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wall blocks, veneer panels and wallsmade from such blocks. In particular, this invention relates to wallblocks having a connection system that attaches veneer panels to wallblocks and a pinning system that connects courses of blocks with veneerpanels to adjacent courses of blocks with veneer panels to form wallsthat are straight, curvilinear, retaining or freestanding or that have90 degree corners. Additionally, columns, pilasters and parapets may beconstructed with the blocks and veneer panels of the present inventionand optionally vertical and horizontal reinforcement members may beutilized in building any structure with the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retaining walls are used in various landscaping projects and areavailable in a wide variety of styles. Numerous methods and materialsexist for the construction of retaining walls. Such methods include theuse of natural stone, poured concrete, precast panels, masonry, andlandscape timbers or railroad ties.

A widely accepted method of construction of such walls is to dry stackconcrete wall units, or blocks. These blocks are popular because theyare mass produced and, consequently, relatively inexpensive. They arestructurally sound and easy and relatively inexpensive to install.Because they comprise concrete, they are durable. They can be given adesired appearance such as a natural stone appearance. Many blocksystems also use pins that are adapted to fit in corresponding pin holesin adjacent blocks or may use other mechanical means to contribute tothe stability of a wall.

Typically, retaining wall blocks are manufactured to have the desiredappearance on the front face (i.e., the outer face of a wall) becauseonly the front is typically visible after the wall is constructed. It ishighly desirable to have the front face of the wall system have anatural stone appearance, and many approaches are used in the art totreat or process concrete to evoke the appearance of natural stone,including splitting the block, tumbling the block to weather the faceand edges of the face, and using processing or texturing equipment toimpart a weathered look to the concrete. Colored concrete in variousforms and methods also is employed to mimic the look of natural stone.

Depending upon their location, the soil type, the amount of water thatcan flow through a concrete retaining wall, and the salt content of theconcrete, an undesirable appearance can develop on the surface of aretaining wall due to efflorescence. Efflorescence refers to theleaching of mineral salts from concrete by water and this often occurson walls in contact with water. The resultant deposit on a surfacecreates an unattractive white, stained appearance on a wall. Inaddition, due to exposure to the elements and freeze/thaw cycles,concrete retaining walls may exhibit spalling, that is, chipping andcracking of concrete, which affects their appearance and can ultimatelyaffect their utility. Freeze-thaw effects are worsened when the wallface is exposed to salt spray, which commonly occurs on roadways wherede-icing salts are used to clear the road of ice and snow.

There have been prior efforts to add a veneer to regular masonry andsegmental retaining walls with natural stone or concrete that ispre-cast molded to closely resemble natural stone. While such veneeringproduces aesthetically pleasing walls, it is a laborious and highlyexpensive process, as it requires skilled masonry work to tie in thestone or concrete veneer to the wall using traditional mortared masonryconstruction methods. Such veneering can double the cost of the finishedwall. In addition, reinforced soil (also known as mechanicallystabilized earth (MSE)) segmental retaining walls are not rigidstructures and applying a rigid mortared veneer may cause cracking ofthe veneer pieces or mortar areas unless appropriate steps are taken toprovide slip joints that allow for such movement. Additionally, it hasbeen proposed to attach veneers made from various materials to wallblocks or wall surfaces using a connecting means that does not requiremortar. Although such veneers are advantageous in many respectsimprovements are needed. For example, it would be desirable to provide ablock for use with a veneer that has been specifically designed andconfigured to form a wall that can be interlocked for stability and thatcan be used with veneers and compatible connectors to provide a wallstructure that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.Further, it would be desirable to improve the connectors with whichthose veneers are attached to the blocks or wall surface and to improvethe manner in which the blocks in the wall are connected and stabilizedfrom course to course.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a wall block and veneer panels and amethod of constructing walls, retaining walls, free-standing walls orfence systems from the wall blocks and veneer panels. More particularly,the invention relates to constructing such walls or fence systemswherein a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector andfurther wherein the front faces of the veneer panels have a desirabletexture and further wherein the veneer panels can be connected to thewall blocks before, during or after construction of the wall or fencesystem.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second side walls,the first and second side walls extending from the top face to thebottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin hole locatedon the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving a pin,the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block and openingonto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel for receivinga veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from the bottomface to the top face of the block, the connector channel opening intothe receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of the block.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second side walls,the first and second side walls extending from the top face to thebottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin hole locatedon the top face of the block; a pin receiving cavity for receiving apin, the pin receiving cavity located on the bottom face of the blockand opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channelfor receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction fromthe bottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channelopening into one of the front or rear faces of the block; the front andrear faces having surface areas and the surface area of the front facebeing greater than the surface area of the rear face; a larger bodyportion, a smaller body portion, and two neck portions, the neckportions connecting the larger body portion and the smaller bodyportion, the front face forming a part of the larger body portion andthe rear face forming a part of the smaller body portion; a core and twoside voids, the core being encompassed by the larger body portion, thesmaller body portion and the two neck portions, and the two side voidsbeing formed by the side walls adjacent the two neck portions; and thepin hole extending from the top face of the block to the pin receivingcavity.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and parallel first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a pin receiving cavity forreceiving a pin, the pin receiving cavity located on the bottom face ofthe block and opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connectorchannel for receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block, theconnector channel opening into one of the front or rear faces of theblock; and a single core, the pin hole extending from the top face ofthe block to the receiving pocket.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector, the wall block having a front face, the frontface of the wall block having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, the veneer having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, and a veneer connector disposed within the wall blockconnector channel and the veneer connector channel, wherein the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces,and first and second side surfaces, the first side surface having afirst surface portion which angles outward from the front face and asecond surface portion which angles inward from the first surfaceportion towards the rear face.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector, the wall block having a front face, the frontface of the wall block having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, the veneer having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, and a veneer connector disposed within the wall blockconnector channel and the veneer connector channel, wherein the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rear faces, and firstand second side surfaces, the rear face of the veneer having projectionsand valleys, the valleys extending from the top to the bottom faces.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising: a first shaft andsecond shaft, the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by abridge portion, the first and second shafts being parallel to eachother; and the first and second shafts each having vertical frictionribs and horizontal friction ribs located at different portions of eachshaft.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising: a first shaft andsecond shaft, the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by abridge portion, the first and second shafts being parallel to eachother; the first and second shafts each having vertical friction ribs,the first and second shafts not being offset from each other, the firstand second shafts being the same length, and the bridge portion beingsubstantially planar.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising a shaft andbifurcated horizontal prongs that extend from the shaft.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector: the veneer having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector; the wall block comprising parallel top andbottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving apin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block andopening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from thebottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channel openinginto the receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of theblock; the veneer connector comprising a first shaft and second shaft,the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by a bridge portion,the first and second shafts being parallel to each other; and the firstand second shafts each having vertical friction ribs and horizontalfriction ribs located at different portions of each shaft; and theveneer connector being disposed within the wall block connector channeland the veneer connector channel.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector: the veneer having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector; the wall block comprising parallel top andbottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving apin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block andopening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from thebottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channel openinginto the receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of theblock; the veneer connector comprising a shaft, and bifurcatedhorizontal prongs that extend from the shaft; and the veneer connectorbeing disposed within the wall block connector channel and the veneerconnector channel.

The invention provides a wall comprising a first course and a secondcourse of wall blocks, a plurality of wall blocks comprising: paralleltop and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first andsecond side walls, the first and second side walls extending from thetop face to the bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; apin hole located on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket forreceiving a pin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of theblock and opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connectorchannel for receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block, theconnector channel opening into the receiving pocket and one of the frontor rear faces of the block.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by wayof example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a top view of a mold box for a block of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 1B to 1D are top perspective, bottom and front views,respectively, of an embodiment of a wall block of the present inventionas it would be installed in a wall.

FIG. 1E is a bottom view of a receiving pocket of a wall block of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the block of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1G is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theblock of FIG. 1B.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top perspective and bottom views, respectively, ofan alternative embodiment of a block of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a mold box for a corner block of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 3B to 3D are perspective, bottom and side views, respectively, ofan embodiment of a corner block of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cornerblock of FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are bottom and top perspective views, respectively, ofan alternative embodiment of a corner block of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a top view of a mold box for veneer panels of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective front face and top views, respectively,of an embodiment of a veneer panel of the present invention.

FIGS. 5D and 5E are perspective and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a veneer panel of the present invention.

FIGS. 5F and 5G are top and back perspective views, respectively, ofanother embodiment of a veneer panel of the present invention.

FIGS. 5H and 5I are front and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a veneer panel of the present invention.

FIGS. 5J to 5L are front views of alternative textures for the frontfaces of the veneer panels of FIGS. 5A to 5I.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a veneer connector of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6B to 6D are perspective views of the veneer connector of FIG. 6Aused in the wall system of the present invention.

FIGS. 6E and 6F are perspective and top views of the veneer connector ofFIG. 6A used in a corner block of the wall system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6G is a perspective view of another embodiment of a veneerconnector of the present invention.

FIGS. 6H and 6I are perspective views of the veneer connector of FIG. 6Gused in the wall system of the present invention.

FIG. 6J is a front view of another embodiment of a veneer connector ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6K is a perspective view of the veneer connector of FIG. 6J used inthe wall system of the present invention.

FIG. 6L is a perspective view of the veneer connector of FIG. 6J used inthe wall system of the present invention.

FIGS. 6M to 6P are perspective and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a veneer connector of the present invention.

FIGS. 6Q and 6R are perspective and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a veneer connector of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a wall formed from a wall system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a parapet wall and lower retainingwall constructed from the wall system of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a double sided corner wall constructedfrom the wall system of the present invention.

FIGS. 7D and 7E are perspective views of a 90 degree corner wall showingcorner units and common units built with veneers.

FIG. 7F is a perspective view of a double sided, freestanding pilasterwall constructed from the wall blocks of the present invention.

FIG. 7G is a top view of a wall formed from an alternative wall systemof the present invention.

FIG. 7H is a top view of a curvilinear wall formed from the wall systemof the present invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are top views of walls formed from another embodiment ofa wall block and veneer panel system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment of the invention, veneer panels are used withretaining wall blocks. The retaining wall blocks can be made of arugged, weather resistant material, preferably (and typically)zero-slump molded concrete. Other suitable materials include polymers,especially high density foam polymers, fiberglass, wood, metal, glass,stone, and composite materials with reinforced fibers, etc. The blocksmay have various shapes and characteristics, as known in the art, andmay be stacked one upon the other to provide a vertically straight wall,and also may be stacked so that they are angled or set back fromvertical. As known in the art, the blocks may be connected to each otherby a pin attachment system, or the blocks may be provided with one ormore protruding elements that interlock with one or more correspondingrecesses in an adjacent block.

“Upper” and “lower” refer to the placement of the block in a retainingwall or fence system. The lower, or bottom, surface is placed such thatit faces the ground. In a retaining wall, one row of blocks is laiddown, forming a course. An upper course is formed on top of this lowercourse by positioning the lower surface of one block on the uppersurface of another block.

Retaining walls may be straight (i.e., substantially linear, as well asvertically straight or plumb), curved (concave, convex, or serpentine)or may have angled corners (i.e., 90 degree angles, obtuse angles oracute angles of a buildable degree). Such walls can be angled or setbackfrom vertical. Reinforcing geogrid mesh or geosynthetic fabrics (alsoreferred to generally as geogrids and geotextiles) may be used withretaining wall blocks to create a reinforced soil structure where thewall has one exposed face and where the geogrid is attached to the blockvia the pinning connection and comes out through the back face and intothe backfilled soil at desired intervals vertically.

The blocks of this invention are symmetrical about a vertical plane ofsymmetry. The blocks may optionally be provided with pin holes, pinreceiving cavities, and at least one core which serves to decrease theweight of the block while maintaining its strength while also providingease of construction of a retaining wall. The location, shape, and sizeof the pin holes and receiving cavities are selected to maximize thestrength of the block, as described by reference to the drawings.

The veneer panels of this invention may be comprised of any suitablematerial such as high strength concrete, polymers, composites, naturalstone, metal, wood, glass, porcelain or a mineral aggregate infiberglass. High strength concrete (6,000 psi and higher) used in themaking of the veneer panel may be compacted under vibration and pressureto make the veneer panel extremely durable and strong. Various liquid ordry pigments may be added to the concrete mix in order to createdifferent colors or shades of color. The mold of the veneer panel isconfigured to impart a surface texture to the material that resemblesthe texture of natural stone. The high density and strength of theconcrete veneer panel make it more resistant to weather and othernatural forces.

It is to be emphasized that the surface of a veneer panel may have anydesired appearance. A natural appearance, such as stone, is generallymost desirable. The panel may have a uniform single stone appearance orit may have an ashlar multi-stone pattern formed into it. The panels mayalso resemble stone that has been processed or treated as is commonlyknown in the natural stone industry. For example, the panel may resemblea weathered stone, polished stone, or flame treated stone. In addition,the veneer panels may be molded or configured to produce panels thatresemble stone that has been hand or machine pitched or tumbled toproduce an aesthetically pleasing natural quarried stone appearance. Inaddition, the veneer panel can be manufactured to have any desiredappearance, whether natural or man made. A combination of geometricforms and shapes, along with natural appearing aesthetics are allpossible by adding the veneer panel to the structural support block ofthis system.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second side walls,the first and second side walls extending from the top face to thebottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin hole locatedon the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving a pin,the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block and openingonto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel for receivinga veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from the bottomface to the top face of the block, the connector channel opening intothe receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of the block. Inone embodiment, the receiving pocket is located on the bottom face ofthe block opens into the front face of the block. In an embodiment, thefront and rear faces have surface areas and the surface area of thefront face is greater than the surface area of the rear face. In anembodiment, the wall block comprises a larger body portion, a smallerbody portion, and two neck portions, the neck portions connecting thelarger body portion and the smaller body portion, the front face forminga part of the larger body portion and the rear face forming a part ofthe smaller body portion. In one embodiment, the wall block comprises acore and two side voids, the core being encompassed by the larger bodyportion, the smaller body portion and the two neck portions, and the twoside voids being formed by the side walls adjacent the two neckportions. In one embodiment, the pin hole extends from the top face ofthe block to the receiving pocket. In an embodiment, the bottom surfaceof the block in the two neck portions has receiving channels forreceiving a reinforcement member.

In an embodiment, the connector channel that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block and opensonto the front face of the block, opens onto the front face from thebottom face to the top face of the block. In another embodiment, theconnector channel that is oriented in the direction from the bottom faceto the top face of the block and opens onto the front face of the block,does not open onto the front face for the entire distance from thebottom face to the top face of the block. In an embodiment, theconnector channel opens onto the front face of the block from thereceiving pocket to a point below the top face of the block.

In an embodiment, the connector channel that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block and opensonto the front face of the block, opens onto the front face from thereceiving pocket to the top face of the block. In one embodiment, theconnector channel that is oriented in the direction from the bottom faceto the top face of the block and opens onto the front face of the block,does not open onto the front face for the entire distance from thebottom face to the top face of the block. In an embodiment, theconnector channel opens onto the front face of the block from thereceiving pocket to a point below the top face of the block.

In one embodiment, wherein the bottom face of the block comprises fourreceiving pockets and the top face of the block comprises four pinholes. In an embodiment, the wall block comprises two connector channelsopening onto the front face of the block and two connector channelsopening onto the rear face of the block.

In an embodiment, the front and rear faces have surface areas and thesurface area of the front face is equal to the surface area of the rearface, and the first and second side walls are parallel. In oneembodiment, the bottom face of the block comprises only six receivingpockets and the top face of the block comprises only six pin holes. Inan embodiment, the wall block comprises two connector channels openingonto the front face of the block, two connector channels opening ontothe rear face of the block, and one connector channel opening onto eachof the first and second side walls. In one embodiment, the wall blockhas only two cores. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the blockhas a receiving channel for receiving a reinforcement member.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second side walls,the first and second side walls extending from the top face to thebottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin hole locatedon the top face of the block; a pin receiving cavity for receiving apin, the pin receiving cavity located on the bottom face of the blockand opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channelfor receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction fromthe bottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channelopening into one of the front or rear faces of the block; the front andrear faces having surface areas and the surface area of the front facebeing greater than the surface area of the rear face; a larger bodyportion, a smaller body portion, and two neck portions, the neckportions connecting the larger body portion and the smaller bodyportion, the front face forming a part of the larger body portion andthe rear face forming a part of the smaller body portion; a core and twoside voids, the core being encompassed by the larger body portion, thesmaller body portion and the two neck portions, and the two side voidsbeing formed by the side walls adjacent the two neck portions; and thepin hole extending from the top face of the block to the pin receivingcavity. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the block has areceiving channel for receiving a reinforcement member. In anembodiment, the connector channel that is oriented in the direction fromthe bottom face to the top face of the block and opens onto the frontface of the block, opens onto the front face from the bottom face to thetop face of the block.

The invention provides a wall block comprising: parallel top and bottomfaces, parallel front and rear faces, and parallel first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a pin receiving cavity forreceiving a pin, the pin receiving cavity located on the bottom face ofthe block and opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connectorchannel for receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block, theconnector channel opening into one of the front or rear faces of theblock; and a single core, the pin hole extending from the top face ofthe block to the receiving pocket.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector, the wall block having a front face, the frontface of the wall block having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, the veneer having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, and a veneer connector disposed within the wall blockconnector channel and the veneer connector channel, wherein the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces,and first and second side surfaces, the first side surface having afirst surface portion which angles outward from the front face and asecond surface portion which angles inward from the first surfaceportion towards the rear face.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector, the wall block having a front face, the frontface of the wall block having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, the veneer having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, and a veneer connector disposed within the wall blockconnector channel and the veneer connector channel, wherein the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rear faces, and firstand second side surfaces, the rear face of the veneer having projectionsand valleys, the valleys extending from the top to the bottom faces.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising: a first shaft andsecond shaft, the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by abridge portion, the first and second shafts being parallel to eachother; and the first and second shafts each having vertical frictionribs and horizontal friction ribs located at different portions of eachshaft. In an embodiment, the first and second shafts are offset fromeach other. In one embodiment, the first and second shafts are the samelength. In an embodiment, the bridge portion is substantially planar. Inone embodiment, the vertical friction ribs of the first shaft point inthe opposite direction as the vertical friction ribs of the secondshaft. In an embodiment, the first shaft is longer than the second shaftand includes a projection that can function as a pin.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising: a first shaft andsecond shaft, the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by abridge portion, the first and second shafts being parallel to eachother; the first and second shafts each having vertical friction ribs,the first and second shafts not being offset from each other, the firstand second shafts being the same length, and the bridge portion beingsubstantially planar.

The invention provides a veneer connector comprising a shaft andbifurcated horizontal prongs that extend from the shaft. In anembodiment, the shaft has upper, middle, and lower portions, the upperand lower portions having horizontal friction ribs, and the middleportion having bifurcated horizontal prongs. In one embodiment, thebifurcated horizontal prongs comprise tabs at ends of the prongs. In anembodiment, the bifurcated horizontal prongs comprise tabs at ends ofthe prongs.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector: the veneer having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector; the wall block comprising parallel top andbottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving apin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block andopening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from thebottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channel openinginto the receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of theblock; the veneer connector comprising a first shaft and second shaft,the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by a bridge portion,the first and second shafts being parallel to each other; and the firstand second shafts each having vertical friction ribs and horizontalfriction ribs located at different portions of each shaft; and theveneer connector being disposed within the wall block connector channeland the veneer connector channel. In an embodiment, the veneer comprisesparallel top and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and firstand second side surfaces, the first side surface having a first surfaceportion which angles outward from the front face and a second surfaceportion which angles inward from the first surface portion towards therear face. In an embodiment, the veneer comprises parallel top andbottom faces, front and rear faces, and first and second side surfaces,the rear face of the veneer having projections and valleys, the valleysextending from the top to the bottom faces. In one embodiment, theveneer comprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rear faces,and first and second side surfaces, and the front face of the block isthe same size as the rear face of the veneer. In an embodiment, theveneer comprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rear faces,and first and second side surfaces, and the front face of the block is asmaller size than the rear face of the veneer. In an embodiment, thewall block is a concrete wall block. In an embodiment, the veneer is apre-cast concrete veneer. In an embodiment, the veneer comprises apolymer. In one embodiment, the veneer is a real stone veneer. In oneembodiment, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the wallblock opens into the front face of the block. In one embodiment, thefirst and second shafts of the veneer connector are offset from eachother.

The invention provides a combination comprising a wall block, a veneer,and a veneer connector: the veneer having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector; the wall block comprising parallel top andbottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and second sidewalls, the first and second side walls extending from the top face tothe bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; a pin holelocated on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket for receiving apin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of the block andopening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector that is oriented in the direction from thebottom face to the top face of the block, the connector channel openinginto the receiving pocket and one of the front or rear faces of theblock; the veneer connector comprising a shaft, and bifurcatedhorizontal prongs that extend from the shaft; and the veneer connectorbeing disposed within the wall block connector channel and the veneerconnector channel. In an embodiment, the veneer comprises parallel topand bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first and secondside surfaces, the first side surface having a first surface portionwhich angles outward from the front face and a second surface portionwhich angles inward from the first surface portion towards the rearface. In one embodiment, the veneer comprises parallel top and bottomfaces, front and rear faces, and first and second side surfaces, therear face of the veneer having projections and valleys, the valleysextending from the top to the bottom faces. In an embodiment, the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rear faces, and firstand second side surfaces, and the front face of the block is the samesize as the rear face of the veneer. In an embodiment, the receivingpocket located on the bottom face of the wall block opens into the frontface of the block. In an embodiment, the shaft of the veneer connectorhas upper, middle, and lower portions, the upper and lower portionshaving horizontal friction ribs, and the middle portion havingbifurcated horizontal prongs. In one embodiment, the bifurcatedhorizontal prongs comprise tabs at ends of the prongs.

The invention provides a wall comprising a first course and a secondcourse of wall blocks, a plurality of wall blocks comprising: paralleltop and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces, and first andsecond side walls, the first and second side walls extending from thetop face to the bottom face and from the front face to the rear face; apin hole located on the top face of the block; a receiving pocket forreceiving a pin, the receiving pocket located on the bottom face of theblock and opening onto the bottom face of the block; and a connectorchannel for receiving a veneer connector that is oriented in thedirection from the bottom face to the top face of the block, theconnector channel opening into the receiving pocket and one of the frontor rear faces of the block. In an embodiment, the receiving pocketlocated on the bottom face of the block opens into the front face of theblock. In an embodiment, the wall is a retaining wall. In oneembodiment, the wall is a free-standing wall. In an embodiment, the wallcomprises a retaining wall and a parapet wall on top of the retainingwall. In an embodiment, veneers are attached to a plurality of the frontfaces of the blocks. In another embodiment, veneers are attached to aplurality of the front and rear faces of the blocks. In embodiments, thewall is straight or curved. In one embodiment, the wall includes a 90degree corner. In embodiments, the wall is vertical or has a setback. Inan embodiment, the wall is reinforced with geogrid soil reinforcement,internal reinforcement, or a combination of the two.

FIG. 1A illustrates block 100 a of the present invention formed in amold box 10 a. Mold box 10 a generally includes two or more moldcavities and has opposing first and second side frame walls 2 a and 4 aand opposing first and second end frame walls 6 a and 8 a but it shouldbe noted that other sized molding machines may have molds with greatercavity capacities. Division plate 20 a spans side walls 2 a and 4 a ofmold box 10 a dividing the mold into two cavities and forms a front faceof wall block 100 a in both mold cavities. Stationary side liners 30 a,form first and second side walls and stationary back liner 32 a formsthe back face of wall block 100 a in each cavity. Connector channel/pinhole forming members and receiving pocket forming members (not shown)may be rigidly attached to division plate 20 a and stationary back liner32 a to form each of the pin holes, connector cavities and receivingpockets of block 100 a discussed in further detail below. Although notshown, a stripper shoe or compression head is used to compact thematerial in the mold cavities and to aid in discharging the blocks fromthe mold cavities when the production cycle is complete. Typically, alower surface of the compression head which contacts the block at thetop of the open mold cavity lies in a generally horizontal plane.

Though mold boxes 10 a may have various dimensions, typical dimensionsare about 18.5 inches (47.0 cm) wide (i.e., the width of the first andsecond end walls), 26.0 inches (66.0 cm) long (i.e., the length of thefirst and second side walls), and 8 inches (20.4 cm) thick.

The mold boxes of FIG. 1A produce two blocks 100 a shown in FIGS. 1B to1F. Blocks 100 a are made of a rugged, weather resistant material,preferably (and typically) zero-slump molded concrete. Other suitablematerials include plastic, reinforced fibers, wood, metal and stone.Block 100 a has parallel top face 102 and bottom face 103, front face104, rear face 105 and first and second side walls 106 and 107. Frontface 104 and rear face 105 each extend from top face 102 to bottom face103 and front face 104 has a larger surface area than rear surface 105.It should be noted that front face and rear face are relative terms whenconstructing a wall from blocks 100 a and thus rear face 105 could beplaced facing outward and form a front face of a wall. Further frontface 104 and rear face 105 can both be alternated or some combinationthereof depending upon the application when forming a face of a wall.Side walls 106 and 107 extend from top face 102 to bottom face 103 andfrom front face 104 to rear face 105.

Block 100 a comprises larger body portion 108, smaller body portion 109and neck portions 110 which connect the larger body portion 108 to thesmaller body portion 109. Front face 104 forms part of the larger bodyportion 108, while rear face 105 forms part of smaller body portion 109.The larger and smaller body and neck portions 108, 109, and 110 eachextend between top and bottom faces 102 and 103 and between first andsecond side walls 106 and 107. Side walls 106 and 107 are thus of acompound shape and have side voids 112 as a result of the reduced widthof neck portions 110 compared to that of body portions 108 and 109. Sidewalls 106 and 107 also have side surface 111 which is part of the largerbody portion 108, and side surface 113 which is part of the smaller bodyportion 109. Side surface 111 angles inward toward the back of the blockand side surface 113 angles outward away from the block. Side surfaces111 and 113 together form a common side angle to block 100 a. Thiscommon angle preferably is from 5 to 15 degrees and may be 7.5 degrees.Neck portions 110 are generally located at the quarter points of theblock to create balance between the space inside core 114 and the sidespaces 112 of two adjoining blocks. Quarter points are the midpoints ofthe two segments produced by dividing the front face of the block at itsmidpoint.

Opening or core 114 extends through neck portion 110 from top face 102to bottom face 103. Core 114 and side voids 112 also reduce the weightof block 100 a; lower block weight is both a manufacturing advantage andan advantage when constructing a wall from the blocks as it reduces costdue to less material and makes lifting of the blocks easier. Cores 114and side voids 112 also allow the structure being constructed with theblocks to utilize vertical reinforcing members such as rebar to increasedurability and strengthen the structure.

FIG. 1F is a vertical cross-sectional view of block 100 a taken alongline F-F in FIG. 1C. Receiving cavities or pockets 120 a and 120 c areshown in cross section in FIG. 1F. Pocket 120 a is located in bodyportion 108 and pocket 120 c is located in body portion 109. Pockets 120a and 120 c extend a predetermined depth into the bottom surface 103 andalso extend a predetermined depth into front face 104. The configurationof pockets 120 b and 120 d are similar and are not separately shown.Receiving pockets 120 c and 120 d extend further into back face 105 thanreceiving pockets 120 a and 120 b extend into front face 104, thusreceiving pockets 120 c and 120 d are larger than receiving pockets 120a and 120 b. It should be noted that this is not limiting and thereceiving pockets could all be the same size or could all have differingsizes depending upon the application.

FIG. 1E is a bottom view of receiving pocket 120 c and is generallyrepresentative of the shape and configuration of each of the receivingpockets. Pocket 120 c has an upper surface which includes asubstantially horizontal portion 121 a and an inclined portion 121 b.Portion 121 a is substantially horizontal and generally parallel to thetop and bottom faces of the block while surface 121 b of the uppersurface of receiving pockets 120 c has an angular incline fromhorizontal. This incline may have any angle but may preferably be in therange of 30 to 45 degrees. The angular incline of receiving pockets 120a/b/c/d is produced as an area of decline in the mold cavity with thebottom face 103 facing upward and is formed by the receiving pocketforming member that is attached to mold box 10 a, division plate 20 aand stationary end wall liner 32 a. This angular decline relative to thebottom surface of the block as it sits facing upward in the mold boxhelps to even the distribution of material through vibratory action andcompaction to form a more structurally sound block.

Receiving pockets 120 a/b/c/d receive a head of a pin placed in anadjacent lower course of blocks which is described in further detailbelow. Receiving pockets 120 a and 120 b are sized to allow forsetback/offset from vertical in the construction of a structure whilethe size of receiving pockets 120 c and 120 d allow for generally nosetback in the construction of a substantially vertical structure.

Front face 104 and back face 105 have connector channels 122 whichextend from surface 121 a of the upper surface of receiving pockets 120a/b/c/d upward a predetermined distance towards top surface 102. Pinholes 124 are located in body portions 108 and 109 and extend from topsurface 102 to surface 121 a of the upper surface of receiving pockets120 a/b/c/d. Pin holes open into connector channels 122 of the frontface 104 and rear face 105 and together have a predetermined depthspecifically sized to receive and secure the veneer connectors/clipswhich are connected or can be connected to veneer face panels which aredescribed below. It is to be understood that commonly, though notalways, the reference to a veneer clip being inserted into the connectorchannel of a block herewith may refer to a shaft of the veneer clipbeing received into the pin hole through surface 121 a of the receivingpocket and a bridge of the veneer clip being received into the connectorchannel.

Pin 50, as shown in FIG. 2A, has a shaft 51 which is placed into a pinhole of a top surface in a lower course of blocks when constructing awall and the pin 50 also has a head 52 which projects from the topsurface of the block of the lower course and abuts to the perpendicularrear wall of receiving pocket 218 of a block in an upper course of aconstructed structure. The head 52 of the pin may have a larger diameterthan the shaft 51 and may also be tapered, square, round or any otherdesired shape. Additionally the shaft 51 of the pin may be circular,square or any other desired shape as well. In this manner, the pin in ablock on a lower course of blocks in a wall engages the receiving pocket218 of a block in an upper course. This results in an interlocking ofthe blocks with a predetermined setback using pin holes 216, or nosetback using pin holes 217. It is to be understood that the shape ofthe pin is not limiting and could be for example uniformly shaped withno head or could have any other number of features.

Bottom surface 103 has receiving channel 130 located in neck portions110. Receiving channel 130 extends through the length of the neck asshown and opens onto side surfaces 111 and 113 of side walls 106 and 107and into the core 114. The receiving channel may be of sufficient widthand depth as to accommodate a horizontal reinforcing member such asrebar to help strengthen the wall depending upon the application or mayaccommodate layers of soil retention material such as geogrid. Thereceiving channel may specifically have a depth of ¼ of an inch to 1inch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) but may be wider or narrower depending upon theapplication.

Though the blocks illustrated in the FIGS. 1A to 1F may have variousdimensions, block 100 a typically has a height (i.e., the distancebetween surfaces 102 and 103) of about 8 inches (200 mm), a front facelength (i.e., the distance from side surface 111 of side wall 106 toside surface 111 of side wall 107) of about 18 inches (457 mm), a backface length (i.e., the distance from side surface 113 of side wall 106to side surface 113 of side wall 107) of about 15.25 inches (388 mm),and a width (i.e., the distance from front face 104 to rear face 105) ofabout 9 inches (225 mm).

An alternative embodiment of the block is shown in FIG. 1G. Block 100 bis substantially the same as block 100 a except that connector channels122 extend from surface 121 a (which extends the entire upper surface ofreceiving pockets 120 a/b/c/d) of the upper surface of receivingchannels 120 a/b/c/d to the top surface 102 of block 100 b. It should benoted that this is not limiting and that the connector channels couldall be the same length or could have varying lengths depending upon theapplication.

Another embodiment of the block is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Block 200has parallel top face 202 and bottom face 203, front face 204, rear face205 and first and second side walls 206 and 207. Front face 204 and rearface 205 each extend from top face 202 to bottom face 203. It should benoted that front face and rear face are relative terms when constructinga wall from blocks 200 and thus rear face 205 could be placed facingoutward and form a front face of a wall. Further front face 204 and rearface 205 can both be alternated or some combination thereof dependingupon the application when forming a face of a wall. Side walls 206 and207 extend from top face 202 to bottom face 203 and from front face 204to rear face 205.

Block 200 comprises larger body portion 208, smaller body portion 209and neck portions 210 which connect the larger body portion 208 to thesmaller body portion 209. Front face 204 forms part of the larger bodyportion 208, while rear face 205 forms part of smaller body portion 209.The larger and smaller body and neck portions 208, 209, and 210 eachextend between top and bottom faces 202 and 203 and between first andsecond side walls 206 and 207. Side walls 206 and 207 are thus of acompound shape and have side voids 212 as a result of the reduced widthof neck portions 210 compared to that of body portions 208 and 209. Sidewalls 206 and 207 also have side surface 211 which is part of the largerbody portion 208, and side surface 213 which is part of the smaller bodyportion 209.

Opening or core 214 extends through neck portion 210 from top face 202to bottom face 203. Core 214 and side voids 212 also reduce the weightof block 200; lower weight block is both a manufacturing advantage andan advantage when constructing a wall from the blocks as it reduces costdue to less material and makes lifting of the blocks easier. Having abalanced through core 214 with two abutting side voids 212 leads to aneffective filling of stone core fill and distribution of frictionalconnection to geogrid mesh material.

Bottom surface 203 has receiving channel 230 located in neck portions210. Receiving channel 230 may extend a portion of the length of theneck as shown and may open onto side surfaces 211 of side walls 206 and207 and into the core 214. The receiving channel may be of sufficientwidth and depth as to accommodate a horizontal reinforcing member suchas rebar to help strengthen the wall depending upon the application ormay accommodate layers of soil retention material such as geogrid. Thereceiving channel may specifically have a depth of ¼ of an inch to oneinch (12.7 to 25.4 mm) but may be wider or narrower depending upon theapplication.

Front face 204 and back face 205 have connector channels 222 whichextend from top surface 202 to bottom surface 203. Connector channelshave a predetermined depth that is sized to receive and secure theveneer connectors which are connected to the veneer face panels.

Bottom face 203 of block 200 has pin receiving cavities 218 which arelocated in body portions 208 and 209 and extend a portion of thedistance between top and bottom faces 202 and 203, i.e., opening ontothe bottom surface but not the top surface. This is not limiting howeverand the pin receiving cavities may extend the entire distance betweenthe top and bottom faces depending upon the application. Pin receivingcavities 218 may be slot shaped, that is, the cavities are curvilinear,having no sharp angles. The shape and size and location of the cavitiesare selected to maximize the strength of the block while at the sametime reduce the weight of the block. Pin holes 216 and 217, i.e., firstand second pin holes respectively, are located in body portions 208 and209 of the block. The first pin holes 216 are positioned away from pinreceiving cavities 218 and slightly set back towards receiving channel230 of bottom face 203 and towards side walls 206 and 207. Second pinholes 217 are positioned to open into pin receiving cavities 218 of theblock and are located towards front and back faces 204 and 205,respectively, of the block relative to pin holes 216. The location ofthe pin holes forms four pairs of pinholes located around the centralcore 214 of the block and provides a way to connect courses of block toanother course to strengthen the wall and structure being built and alsoprovides a way to offset the stacking of the blocks when constructing awall depending upon the application.

Pin holes typically extend through to bottom face 203 and are sized toreceive pin 50 which is shown in FIG. 2A. First pin holes 216 provideincreased setback as compared to that provided by second pin holes 217.Further pin holes can be provided, if desired, so as to provide forfurther choices of predetermined setback. Additionally, the location ofthe pin holes in the body of the block may be varied as desired as wellas the location of the pin receiving cavities.

Though the blocks illustrated in the FIGS. 2A and 2B may have variousdimensions, block 200 typically has a height (i.e., the distance betweensurfaces 202 and 203) of about 8 inches (200 mm), a front face length(i.e., the distance from side surface 211 of side wall 206 to sidesurface 211 of side wall 207) of about 18 inches (457 mm), a back facelength (i.e., the distance from side surface 213 of side wall 206 toside surface 213 of side wall 207) of about 15.25 inches (388 mm), and awidth (i.e., the distance from front face 204 to rear face 205) of about12 inches (300 mm).

FIG. 3A illustrates corner block 300 a of the present invention formedin a mold box 10 b. Mold box 10 b generally includes two mold cavitiesand has opposing first and second side frame walls 2 b and 4 b andopposing first and second end frame walls 6 b and 8 b. Division plate 20b spans side walls 2 b and 4 b of mold box 10 b dividing the mold intotwo cavities and forms a front face of block 300 a in both moldcavities. Stationary side liners 30 b, form first and second side wallsand stationary back liner 32 b forms the back face of wall block 300 a.Pin hole forming members, connector channel forming members andreceiving pocket forming members (not shown) may be rigidly attached todivision plate 20 b and stationary back liner 32 b to form each of thepin holes, connector cavities and receiving pockets of block 300 adiscussed in further detail below. Although not shown, a stripper shoeor compression head is used to compact the material in the mold cavitiesand to aid in discharging the blocks from the mold cavities when theproduction cycle is complete. Typically, a lower surface of thecompression head which contacts the block at the top of the open moldcavity lies in a generally horizontal plane.

FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate corner block 300 a of the presentinvention. Corner block 300 a has parallel top face 302 and bottom face303, front face 304, rear face 305 and first and second side walls 306and 307. Front face 304 and rear face 305 each extend from top face 302to bottom face 303. Side walls 306 and 307 extend from top face 302 tobottom face 303 and from front face 304 to rear face 305. Cores 314 alsoextend from top face 302 to bottom face 303.

Bottom surface 303, front face 304, back face 305 and side faces 306 and307 of corner block 300 a each have receiving cavities or pockets 320that extend a predetermined depth into the bottom surface 303 and alsoextend a predetermined depth into one of front face 304, back face 305and side faces 306 and 307. The receiving pockets 320 receive the headof pin 50 from a course of blocks adjacently below. It should be notedthat the receiving pockets could all be the same size or could all havediffering sizes depending upon the application. The configuration,structure and function of receiving pockets 320 is similar to thatdescribed earlier with respect to receiving pockets 120 a/b/c/d of block100 a. The surfaces 321 a of the upper surface of receiving pockets 320are substantially horizontal and extend a predetermined distance whilesurface 321 b of the upper surfaces of receiving pockets 320 have anangular incline from horizontal. The angular incline of receivingpockets 320 is produced as an area of decline in the mold cavity withthe bottom face 303 facing upward and is formed by the receiving pocketforming member that is attached to mold box 10 division plate 20 andstationary back and side wall liners 30 and 32.

Front face 304, back face 305 and side walls 306 and 307 have connectorchannels 322 which extend from surface 321 a of the upper surface ofreceiving pockets 320 upward a predetermined distance towards topsurface 302. Connector channels have a predetermined depth specificallysized to receive and secure the veneer clips which are connected or canbe connected to veneer face panels which are described below. Cornerblock 300 a also has pinholes 324 which extend from surface 321 a to topsurface 302. As best seen in FIG. 3B there are six pinholes 324, twoalong each face and one along each side wall.

Though the blocks illustrated in the FIGS. 3A to 3D may have variousdimensions, block 300 a typically has a height (i.e., the distancebetween surfaces 302 and 303) of about 8 inches (200 mm), front and backface lengths (i.e., the distance from side face 306 to side face 307) ofabout 18 inches (457 mm), and a width (i.e., the distance from frontface 304 to rear face 305) of about 12 inches (300 mm).

Bottom surface 303 has receiving channel 330 that may open into one (asshown) or both of block 300 a side walls and may be of sufficient widthand depth as to accommodate a horizontal reinforcing member such asrebar to help strengthen the wall depending upon the application or mayaccommodate layers of soil retention material such as geogrid.

An alternative embodiment of corner block 300 a is shown in FIG. 3E.Block 300 b is substantially the same as corner block 300 a except thatconnector channels 322 extend from top surface 302 of block 300 b to thelower surface 303 of the block. It should be noted that this is notlimiting and that the connector channels could all be the same length orcould have varying lengths depending upon the application.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate corner block 400 of an alternative embodimentof the present invention. Corner block 400 is substantially similar tocorner block 300 a except that it does not have receiving pockets 320and only has a single core 414. Additionally, bottom face 403 of cornerblock 400 has first and second pin receiving cavities 418 which extend aportion of the distance between the top and bottom faces 402 and 403,i.e., opening onto the bottom face but not the top face. This is notlimiting however and the pin receiving cavities may extend the entiredistance between the top and bottom faces depending upon theapplication. Block 400 also has first pin holes 416 which are positionedaway from pin receiving cavities 418 and second pin holes 417 which arepositioned to open into the pin receiving cavities 418 of the cornerblock. Pins 50 are used in these cavities to interlock courses of blocktogether in a near vertical or positive setback orientation. Thelocation of the pin holes provides a way to connect adjacent courses ofcorner blocks together. Corner block 400 can be used in a wall systemwith previously described block 200 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 5A illustrates the manufacture of eight veneer blocks or panels 500of the present invention formed in a mold box 10 c. Mold box 10 cgenerally includes 8 mold cavities and has opposing first and secondside frame walls 2 c and 4 c and opposing first and second end framewalls 6 c and 8 c. Division plate 20 c spans side walls 6 c and 8 c ofmold box 10 c while division plates 22 c, 24 c and 26 c span end walls 2c and 4 c dividing the mold into 8 cavities enclosed by stationary sideliners 30 c, and stationary end liners 32 c. Although not shown, acompression head is used to compact the material in the mold cavitiesand to aid in discharging the blocks from the mold cavities when theproduction cycle is complete. Typically, a lower surface of thecompression head which contacts the block at the top of the open moldcavity lies in a generally horizontal plane. The compression head mayhave a texture or pattern to impart such texture or pattern to theportion of the block at the open top and part of the way down the sidesof the veneer pieces in the mold cavity.

FIGS. 5B to 5E illustrate veneer blocks or panels 500 of the presentinvention which have been formed in mold box 10 c. Veneer panels 500 maybe made of a rugged, weather resistant material, preferably (andtypically) zero-slump, high strength, molded concrete. Thus, the veneeris typically made of higher quality concrete than the block. Othersuitable materials include reinforced fibers, wood, metal, stone orpolymers, including fiberglass, plastic, etc., or may also be made ofhigh density foam or any other suitable material. Concrete strength ofveneer panels may be 6,000 psi and greater, or about twice that ofcommonly used segmental retaining wall blocks (SRW) and four times thestrength of commonly used concrete masonry units (CMU). This increasedstrength of the concrete increases the veneer panels resistance todetrimental weather conditions and natural forces that might affect ablock more readily, thus providing the structure constructed with theveneer panels more protection from weather and other natural forces. Theveneer panels 500 which are made in the mold box may all be the same ormay be made of a combination of corner veneer panels and regular veneerpanels. As shown in FIG. 5A, mold box 10 c, may be configured to produceveneer panels E, F, G and H which are all regular veneer panels andveneer panels A, B, C and D which are corner veneer panels that can beused as either regular or corner veneer panels in a wall. The differencebetween corner veneer panels and regular veneer panels is described inmore detail hereafter. It should be noted that in the construction of acorner, corner veneer panels may be needed for an aesthetically pleasing90 degree look. It should further be noted that in the construction ofwalls other than at the 90 degree corners, both types of veneer panelsmay be used interchangeably. Therefore, both types of veneer panels arecollectively referred to as veneer panels 500 when the veneer panels canbe interchangeable. It should be further noted that a different textureor pattern can be imparted to each of the veneer panels of mold box 10 ccreating 8 different veneer panels in a single mold. It should furtherbe understood that the 8 different textures of the veneer panels mayeach have an up and down orientation that can be randomly used whenconstructing a structure giving 16 random textures from a single moldbox and increasing the aesthetic value of the structure.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show veneer panel 500E made from mold box 10 c. Veneerpanel 500E (as well as veneer panels 500F, 500G and 500H) has paralleltop surface 502 and bottom surface 503, front face 504, rear face 505Eand first and second side walls 506E and 507. Front face 504 and rearface 505E each extend from top surface 502 to bottom surface 503. Topand bottom surfaces 502 and 503 have surface 509 which angles outwardfrom front face 504, and surface 510 which angles inward from surface509 towards back face 505E. Side surfaces 506E and 507 extend from topsurface 502 to bottom surface 503 and from front face 504 to rear face505E. Side surfaces 506E and 507 have surface 511 which angles outwardfrom front face 504, and surface 512 which angles inward from surface511 towards back face 505. When used in a wall, the top and bottomsurfaces are interchangeable. Angled surfaces 509, 510, 511 and 512 ofside surfaces 506E and 507 and top and bottom surfaces 502 and 503 givethe veneer panel a more aesthetically pleasing natural stone look byallowing the stone texture to wrap around the veneer edge in a naturalgenerally convex geometry. The angled surfaces 509, 510, 511 and 512 ofside surfaces 506E and 507 and top and bottom surfaces 502 and 503additionally function to give the front surface 504 more uniform spacingbetween veneer panels. Front face 504 may have any desired texture andFIGS. 5J to 5L illustrate other possible textures that may be impartedonto the front face of the veneer panel. Additionally, surfaces 509 and511 may optionally be imparted with a surface texture as shown toimprove aesthetic value of the veneer panel and give a more refined lookbetween adjacent veneer panels in a structure. It should be noted thatthese textures are not limited and that any desired texture could beimparted onto the veneer panel depending upon the application and thatany or all surfaces and faces of the panel may be imparted with atexture depending upon the application.

Back face 505E of veneer panel 500E has two connector channels 522 whichextend a predetermined distance into the back face 505E of veneer panel500E and accept a veneer connector or clip as described in furtherdetail below. The spacing of the two veneer connector channels 522 aredesigned to align with the connector channels in the front and backfaces of the blocks of the present invention. Connector channels 522typically are oriented at the quarter points along the length of theveneer to optimize connection to the support block and to allow veneersto be sized smaller and larger than the support block face.

FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate veneer panel 500A of the present invention.Corner veneer panel 500A (as well as corner veneer panels 500B, 500C and500D) is substantially similar to veneer panel 500E except that sidesurface 506E is at a right angle (90 degrees) and perpendicular to boththe front and back surfaces. Side surface 506E is completely texturedand can be used with the corner blocks of the present invention to givethe right angle corner of a structure a more aesthetically pleasing andrefined look. More specifically, when forming a wall, corner veneerpanel 500A will be oriented such that side surface 506E is the surfacewhich is exposed at the corner of the wall. Back face 505A has threeconnector channels 522 and the spacing of the channels is designed toalign with the connector channels in the front and back faces of theblocks of the present invention. Additionally the third connectorchannel is designed to align with the connector channel in the sidesurfaces of the corner blocks of the present invention, and thus veneerpanel 500A can be cut to the appropriate dimension when use inconjunction with the side surface of the corner block.

FIGS. 5F and 5G illustrate an alternative embodiment of the back face505J of veneer panel 500. Back face 505J has projections 541, 542, 543,544 and 545 which extend outward from the back face and create valleys551, 552, 553 and 554. Projections 542 and 544 have connector channels522 which extend from bottom face 503 to top face 502. The connectorchannels of the veneer panel are configured to align with the connectorchannels in the front and back faces of the blocks of the presentinvention and are sized to receive veneer connectors which secure theveneer panels to the wall blocks of the present invention. The valleys551, 552, 553, and 554 are intended to lighten the weight of the veneerpieces and to allow for free flow of moisture from out behind the veneer(i.e., the flow of rainwater).

Veneer panel 500 is dimensioned to be about the same size as the frontface of the blocks of the present invention. Veneer panel 500 typicallyhas a height (i.e., the distance between surfaces 502 and 503) of about8 inches (200 mm), a body length (i.e., the distance from side face 506to side face 507) of about 18 inches (450 mm) and a width (i.e., thedistance from front face 504 to rear face 505) of about 3 inches (75mm). If made of materials other than concrete, the veneers typically canhave thinner widths of from about 0.75 inch (19 mm) to 3 inches (75 mm).It should be noted that when veneer panels have been attached to a frontor rear face of the blocks of the present invention, the combined depthof the veneer panel and the block (front surface to rear surface ofassembled unit) is sized to approximate the width of a typical SRW blockused in common retaining wall construction (approximately 12 inches (305mm)). It should be further noted that the body length of the veneerpanel may be slightly larger than the body length of the front face ofthe block for ease in accomplishing construction of a radial structure.It should be noted that the dimensions of the veneer panels and theblocks themselves are not limiting and the veneer panels and blocks canbe any size depending upon the application.

FIGS. 5H and 5I illustrate veneer panel 600 of the present invention.Veneer panel 600 is substantially similar to veneer panel 500. Back face605 has projections 641, 642, 643, and 644 which extend outward from theback face and create valleys 651, 652, and 653. Projections 642 and 643have connector channels 622 which extend from bottom face 603 to topface 602. The connector channels of the veneer panel are configured toalign with the connector channels in the front and back faces of theblocks of the present invention and are sized to receive veneerconnectors which secure the veneer panels to the wall blocks of thepresent invention.

Veneer panel 600 is sized to have the same surface area as the back faceof the blocks of the present invention. Veneer panel 600 typically has aheight (i.e., the distance between surfaces 602 and 603) of about 8inches (200 mm), a body length (i.e., the distance from side face 606 toside face 607) of about 18 inches (457 mm) and a width (i.e., thedistance from front face 604 to rear face 605) of about 3 inches (75mm). It should be noted that the size and shape of the veneer panels arenot limiting and any size or shape could be employed depending upon theapplication.

FIGS. 6A to 6F illustrate an embodiment of a veneer connector or clip700 a of the present invention and various examples of how the veneerclip can be attached to veneer panels and blocks of the presentinvention. Veneer clip 700 a may be made of an injection molded plasticor any other suitable material. Veneer clip has shaft 702 a connected toshaft 704 a by bridge 703 a. Shafts 702 a and 704 a have verticalfriction ribs 705 and horizontal friction ribs 706 which help to securethe veneer clip into the connector channels of the veneer panels andfaces of the blocks by abrading or compressing as they are slid into theconnector channel. As can be seen in the exploded view in FIG. 6B veneerclips are received and secured in connector channels 122 of block 100 aand in connector channels 522 of veneer panel 500E. In this mannerveneer panels may be attached to both the front and rear faces of theblocks, as shown. As best seen in FIG. 6C, veneer clip 700 a may befirst placed into the connector channels of the block and then insertedinto the connector channels of the veneer panels or may be first placedinto the connector channels of the veneer panels and then inserted intothe connector channels of the block, securing the veneer panel to theblock. As shown in FIG. 6D, the bridge of the veneer clip is sized tooptimize the connection of the veneer panel to the block with as littlespace as possible to allow for the most secure fit. However, in someapplications it may be desirable to allow the bridge of the veneer clipa larger width so that some space is maintained between the attachedveneer panel and the face of the block so that any moisture or waterthat accumulates in between the veneer panel and the face of the blockis allowed to flow freely down and out of the space so it does not gettrapped. The trapping of water, especially in colder climates, can leadto the water freezing and possibly loosening or dislodging the veneerpanel from the block. An alternative to the added spacing is to providea surface of the veneer or block with an uneven, ribbed, or flutedsurface. This will break the adhesion bond of the water and avoidcapillary action between the two unit surfaces and allow a channel forthe water to come out. FIGS. 6E and 6F show the connector clip 700 aused to connect veneer panels to a corner block 300 a. FIG. 6E is anexploded view which shows a regular veneer panel 500K and a cornerveneer panel 500L connected to corner block 300 a. Veneer panel 500L hasbeen cut to match the size of side face 306.

FIG. 6G illustrates a different embodiment of the veneer clip of thepresent invention. Veneer clip 700 b has shaft 702 b attached to shaft704 b by bridge 703 b. Shafts 702 b and 704 b have vertical frictionribs 705 and horizontal friction ribs 706 which help secure the veneerclips into the connector channels of the block (front face 104 of block100 b in FIGS. 6H and 6I) and into the connector channels of the veneerpanel (veneer panel 500A in FIG. 6I) connecting and securing the veneerpanel to the block. Shaft 702 b has projection 707 which extends abovethe top face of the block as seen in FIG. 6H when veneer clip 700 b isreceived in receiving channel 122 of block 100 b. With projection 707extending above top surface 102 of block 100 b in a first course ofblocks it may be received into receiving pocket 120 of a block 100 b inthe upper adjacent course of blocks. Projection 707 thus acts like aninterlocking pin which helps to secure successive and adjacent coursesof block to one another, and may also be used to connect geogrid to thestructural wall block element. Veneer clip 700 b may be used as the solemeans of connecting adjacent courses of blocks together as the wall isbuilt or may be used in combination with pins 50 to connect adjacentcourses of blocks depending on the requirements of the wall.

FIGS. 6J to 6L illustrate another embodiment of a veneer connector orclip 700 c of the present invention. Veneer clip 700 c may be made of aninjection molded plastic or any other suitable material. Veneer clip hasshaft 702 c connected to shaft 704 c by bridge 703 c. Shafts 702 c and704 c have vertical friction ribs 705 which help to secure the veneerclip into the connector channels of the veneer panels and faces of theblocks. As can be seen in the exploded view in FIG. 6K veneer clips arereceived and secured in connector channels 122 of block 100 b and inconnector channels 522 of veneer panel 500J. Veneer clip 700 c may befirst placed into the connector channels of the block and then insertedinto the connector channels of the veneer panels or may be first placedinto the connector channels of the veneer panels and then inserted intothe connector channels of the block, securing the veneer panel to theblock. The bridge of the veneer clip is sized to optimize the connectionof the veneer panel to the block with as little space as possible toallow for the most secure fit. The valleys of the back face of veneerpanel 500J allow a width between the face of the block and the veneerpanel so that any moisture or water that accumulates in between theveneer panel and the face of the block is allowed to flow freely downand out of the space so it does not get trapped. The trapping of water,especially in colder climates, can lead to the water freezing andpossibly loosening or dislodging the veneer panel from the block. Thevalleys of the back face of panel 500J also reduce the weight of theveneer panel and reduce the cost of manufacturing because less materialis used to form the veneer panel.

FIG. 6L illustrates clip 700 c used in combination with veneer panel 500and block 200.

FIGS. 6M to 6P illustrate another embodiment of a veneer connector orclip 700 of the present invention. Veneer clip 700 d may be made of aninjection molded plastic or any other suitable material. Veneer clip hasshaft 702 d connected to bifurcated horizontal prongs 709. Shaft 702 dhas friction ribs 706 which help to secure the veneer clip into theconnector channels of the veneer panels. FIGS. 6N to 6P illustrateveneer clip 700 d with shaft 702 d already inserted into connectorchannel 522 of veneer panel 500. The bifurcated horizontal prongs 709 ofveneer clip 700 d are inserted into an angled connector channelembodiment of the block face. As the bifurcated horizontal prongs enterthe angled connector channel 1022, the prongs compress as they enter thenarrowing area of the connector channel. Once the bifurcated prongs areinserted completely through the narrowing portion, the connector channelwidens and the bifurcated prongs expand, securing the clip and veneerpanel to the face of the block. Tabs 710 on bifurcated prongs 709 addadditional connectivity by interlocking the prongs into the connectorchannel and not allowing them to be pulled out back through theconnecter channel once inserted. In this manner the structural wall canfirst be built without the placement of any veneer panels or veneerclips. A major benefit to using this type of connector is that thestructural wall can be built with the wall blocks being built into thewall, without having veneer panels attached. Veneer panels can be addedat any point during the wall assembly. This can help in scheduling ofmaterials at the job site, protection of the veneer elements fromgeneral construction damage, or to make building the structural wall aneasier job due to lightening the weight of the wall blocks being placedinto the wall. Veneer clips may be slid into the connector channel ofthe veneer panel and then the veneer panel and clip can be snapped intothe connector channels on the face of the wall. It should be noted thatthe shaft of veneer clip could be received in the connector channel ofthe wall block and that the bifurcated prongs could be received onto theconnector channel of the veneer panel.

Non-bifurcated veneer connectors can be added on to the wall blockswithout veneer panels to lighten the weight of the blocks during thewall construction. The veneer panels can then be added on to the wallblocks of the wall by slipping the veneers down over the top ends of theveneer clips at any point during construction.

FIGS. 6Q and 6R illustrate another embodiment of a veneer connector orclip 700 e of the present invention. Veneer clip 700 e may be made of aninjection molded plastic or any other suitable material. Veneer clip hasshaft 702 e connected to bifurcated horizontal prongs 709. Shaft 702 eis designed to be molded into either the face of the block or the backface of the veneer panel, leaving only the bifurcated horizontal prongsexposed. Bifurcated horizontal prongs can then be received into thecorresponding connector channels of the block faces or veneer panel,depending upon the application. The compression of the prongs as theprongs are first received in the narrower area of the connector channeland expand as the channel widens serves to secure the prongs into theconnector channel, i.e., securing the connector and veneer panel to theface of the block. In this manner the structural wall can first be builtwithout the placement of any veneer panels or veneer clips. After thestructural wall has been completed veneer clips may be slid into theconnector channel of the veneer panel and then the veneer panel and clipcan be snapped into the connector channels on the face of the wall.

FIG. 7A illustrates straight wall 800 a constructed from the blocks 100a and veneer panels 500. Generally, when constructing a wall, a trenchis excavated to a pre-selected depth and backfilled with a level base BBof granular material such as crushed stone or sand. A concretestructural footer F is then poured and allowed to set. A base layer isthen placed and leveled onto the footer. The blocks are placed side byside with bottom face 103 facing downward and front face 104 facingoutward with the next adjacent block 100 a following the same blockorientation with front face 104 facing outward in each course of block.Once the base layer is laid, veneer clips 700 a are inserted into theconnector channels of the front faces of the blocks facing outward(exposed faces of the blocks) in the base layer of the wall. Verticalfriction ribs 705 and horizontal friction ribs 706 of veneer clip 700 aengage the connector channels and securely and tightly lodge the clipinto the channel. It should be noted that both sides of the wall/baselayer may be outward facing or exposed. After insertion of the clips 700a into the front faces 104 of the wall blocks, the remaining exposedshafts of the veneer clips 700 a are inserted into the receivingchannels 522 of veneer panels 500. Veneer panels 500 receive the exposedshafts of the clips that were placed in the front face 104 of blocks 100a, securely attaching the veneer panel to the block. It should be notedthat if the base level is below grade the veneer panels and clips neednot be utilized until there is a subsequent course of the wall that isvisible. It should further be noted that the blocks may have the veneerpanels attached to the block before the blocks are used in constructionof the structure, in this manner the block and veneer panel come as onestructure to the construction site or could be assembled at the sitebefore being placed, the block and veneer panel being approximately thesame size as a common wall block of the art, with construction of thestructure proceeding like that of a common sized wall block. It shouldalso be noted that the wall could be constructed to the desired heightwith the clips inserted as the wall is built and then the veneer panelscould be attached to the exposed clips of the wall after the structurehas been built to the desired height.

Horizontal reinforcing member 80 may then be laid upon the base courseof blocks and pins 50 may be placed in the pin holes of the top surface102 of block 100 a of the base course. Vertical reinforcing members 90may be inserted into cores 114 of block 100 a or through the side voidopening 115 created by the placement of two adjacent blocks 100 a.Alternatively, vertical reinforcing members 90 could have been placedinto the footer while the concrete was setting, securing the verticalreinforcing members to the footer and adding the ability to resistoverturning loads such as wind and impacts. When building an internallyreinforced wall the pins could be left out and the concrete andreinforcing members will connect all the blocks together. The receivingchannel 130 in the bottom face 103 of blocks 100 a of the subsequentadjacent course receive and secure the horizontal reinforcing member 80giving the structure increased strength and durability. The pin heads 52from pinholes of the base layer are received and secured in thereceiving pockets 120 a/b/c and/or 120 d of the subsequent adjacentcourse of blocks 100 a. Once the next course is laid the veneer clips700 a and veneer panels 500 are attached and secured to the blocks 100 aof the course (if the panels have not already been secured to thedesired block face) and then subsequent courses of the wall are laid,including the placement of interlocking pins and horizontal and verticalreinforcing members, until the desired height of the wall is achieved.Once the desired height has been reached concrete may be poured throughthe core and side void openings to further strengthen the structure anda capping layer may be utilized for a more finished and aestheticallypleasing look. It should be noted that wall blocks 100 b and 200 mayalso be used as described in the construction of such a wall with veneerpanels 500.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross section of a parapet retaining wall 800 bmade with block 100 a as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F. Retaining wall courses810 b of the wall 800 b are laid so that front face 104 is facingoutward or is exposed allowing for the set back shown due to the pinningsystem of the present invention whereby the head of a pin of a lowercourse is received in the setback receiving pockets 120 a and 120 b ofthe upper adjacent course of block. Retaining wall courses of wall 800 bmay also utilize geogrid G which can be received and secured in thereceiving channel 130 of bottom surface 103 of wall block 100 a or canbe secured to the pinning system of the retaining wall. Cantileverfooter F is poured near the top of the retaining wall courses andvertical reinforcing members 90 are allowed to set into footer F.

Parapet wall courses 820 b of wall 800 b can be laid with front face 104facing the same way as blocks 100 a of retaining wall courses 810 b ormay be placed with back face 105 facing the same way as the blocks ofretaining wall courses 810 b because both surfaces are exposed andcovered with veneer panels 500. In this manner, the orientation of theblocks in parapet wall courses 820 b is not as important as theplacement of the pins so that the head 52 of the pin is received intoreceiving pockets 120 c and 120 d to allow for no setback. If internallyreinforced like the parapet wall shown, the builder can choose toeliminate the course to course connecting pins in the parapet sectionand rely on the internal reinforcing concrete grout and reinforcingmembers for block connection. Capping layer 840 gives parapet retainingwall 800 b an aesthetically pleasing finished look.

FIG. 7C illustrates a double sided wall 800 c with a 90 degree cornerformed with wall blocks 100 a and corner block 300 a and veneer panels500 of the present invention. This wall is constructed utilizing thepinning system of the present invention whereby no setback is allowedand thus the pin head 52 of a lower course of blocks is received inreceiving pockets 120 c and 120 d of the upper adjacent course of block100 a. Wall 800 c is constructed with all of front faces 104 of block100 a being orientated towards the outside of corner wall 800 c whileall of the back faces 105 are orientated towards the inside of thecorner wall. Back faces 105 will have a space between each adjacent backface 105 in a course of blocks. Corner block 300 a is laid with frontface 304 being utilized in wall segment 810 c in the base layer and thenin every other layer above the base layer. On the next adjacent course,corner block 300 a is laid with front face 304 being utilized in wallsegment 820 c. Veneer panels 500 may be secured to the front face 104 ofthe wall blocks as described above with each individual veneer panel 500being attached to a front face 104 of each block 100 a. Corner veneerpanel 500M may be the same dimension as the area of the front face (orback face) of corner block 300 a and is attached to the front face 304of corner block 300 b on the outside of the corner wall. Side face 306or 307 of corner block 300 a that is exposed to the outside of wall 800c also utilizes corner veneer panel 500M that is connected with veneerclip 700 a and is either field cut to the proper dimensional requirementas needed or may be pre-formed as a second optional veneer panel for usein constructing the wall with a 90 degree corner.

Veneer panels 500 may be attached to the back faces 105 of the insidecorner wall in an off-set manner whereby a veneer clip 700 a from theback face 105 of one wall block 100 a and one veneer clip 700 a from theback face 105 of a second adjacent block 100 a may each engage theconnector channels 522 from the same veneer panel. Back face 305 (whichis the same size and area as that of front face 304) of corner block 300a of the inside surface of the corner wall 800 c may be attached tocorner veneer panel 500A and the same veneer panel 500M may be attachedto the back face 105 of an adjacent block 100. It should be noted thatthe positioning of the veneer panels on the wall is not limiting andthat an individual veneer panel may be attached to two adjacent blockson the outside of wall 800 c and that one veneer panel 500 may beutilized for each individual back face 105 of the inside surface ofcorner wall 800 c as well, depending upon the application.

FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate a single sided wall 800 d with a 90 degreecorner formed with wall blocks 100 a and corner block 300 a and veneerpanels 500 of the present invention. This wall is constructed utilizingthe pinning system of the present invention whereby setback is allowedand thus the pin head 52 of a lower course of blocks is received inreceiving pockets 120 a and 120 b of the upper adjacent course of block100 a. The setback of the wall creates a slight decrease in the lengthof each block course in each wall segment 810 d and 820 d as more andmore courses are added. To counteract this decrease in course length ofeach wall segment, a block 100 a from each course must be field cut tothe appropriate reduced length and accordingly the veneer panel 500 thatis to be attached to the field cut block must also be cut to theappropriate dimension. The field cut blocks and veneer panels arehighlighted in both wall segments of FIGS. 7D and 7E.

FIG. 7F illustrates a double sided, freestanding pilaster wall 800 eformed from blocks 100 a and 300 a and veneer panels 500 of the presentinvention. Wall 800 e is formed with all of the front faces 104 ofblocks 100 a orientated facing outward one side of the wall and all ofthe back faces 105 orientated facing outward the opposite side of thewall. Back faces 105 will have a space between each adjacent back faceof blocks in a course. Corner block 300 a is laid at a desired locationalong the wall forming pilaster 850. Veneer panels 500 may be secured tothe front face 104 of the wall blocks 100 a as described above with eachindividual veneer panel 500 being attached to an individual front face104 of each block 100. Veneer panel 500 may be the same dimension as thearea of the front face (or back face) of corner block 300 a and isattached individually to the front face 304 of corner block 300 a on adesired side of the wall forming the pilaster 850. The side face 306 or307 of corner block 300 a utilized in the formation of the pilaster isattached to corner veneer panel 500M that is connected with veneer clip700 a and is either field cut to the proper dimensional requirement asneeded or may be pre-formed as a second optional veneer panel for use inconstructing the pilaster wall 800 e. Veneer panels 500 may be attachedto the back faces 105 of the opposite side of the pilaster wall 800 e inan off-set manner whereby a veneer clip 700 a from the back face 105 ofone wall block 100 and one veneer clip 700 a from the back face 105 of asecond adjacent block 100 may each engage the receiving channels 522from the same veneer panel. It should be understood that one veneerpanel 500 may be utilized for each individual back face 105 of theopposite side of wall 800 e as well, depending upon the application. Itshould be further understood that the positioning of the veneer panelson the wall is not limiting and that a veneer panel may be attached totwo adjacent blocks on either side of the exposed wall. It should beunderstood that one veneer panel 500 may be utilized for each individualback face 105 of the opposite side of wall 800 e as well, depending uponthe application. It should be also noted that the location of thepilaster is not limiting and that multiple pilasters could be placed onone or both sides of the wall being constructed.

FIG. 7G illustrates straight retaining wall 800 f constructed fromblocks 100 a and veneer panels 500 and 600. Blocks 100 a are placed sideby side with bottom face 103 facing downward then alternating front face104 facing outward with the next adjacent block having back face 105facing outward in each block course. Veneer panels 500 have the samesurface area as front face 104 and are attached to the exposed frontface 104 of retaining wall 800 f. Veneer panels 600 have the samesurface area as back face 105 and are attached to the exposed back face105 of retaining wall 800 f.

FIG. 7H illustrates a curvilinear wall 800 g formed from blocks 100 aand veneer panels 500 and 600 of the present invention. Wall 800 g isformed with all front faces 104 of blocks 100 a orientated facingoutward one side of the wall and all back faces 105 orientated facingoutward the opposite side of the wall with no space between the adjacentback faces which causes a consistent and constant radial curve to thewall. Veneer panels 500, having the same rear face dimensions as frontface 104, may be secured to the front face 104 of the wall blocks 100 aas described above with each individual veneer panel 500 being attachedto an individual front face 104 of each block 100. Veneer panels 600,having the same rear face dimensions as back face 105, may be secured tothe back face 105 of the wall blocks 100 a as described above with eachindividual veneer panel 600 being attached to an individual back face105 of each block 100 a.

FIG. 8A illustrates a straight wall 900 a formed from blocks 200 andveneer panels 500. Wall 900 a is formed with all of the front faces 204of blocks 200 orientated facing outward one side of the wall and all ofthe back faces 205 orientated facing outward the opposite side of thewall. Back faces 205 will have a space between each adjacent block.Veneer panels 500 may be secured to the front face 204 of the wallblocks 200 by inserting veneer clip 700 c into the receiving channels222 of front faces 204 and back faces 205 with each individual veneerpanel 500 being attached to an individual front face 204 and individualback face 205.

FIG. 8B illustrates a wall 900 b with a 90 degree corner formed withwall blocks 200 and 400 and veneer panel 500 of the present invention.Wall 900 b includes wall segments 910 a and 910 b. Wall 900 b is formedwith all front faces 204 of block 200 being orientated towards theoutside of the wall 900 b while all back faces 105 are orientatedtowards the inside (opposite) of the corner wall 900 b. Back faces 105will have a space between each adjacent block 200. Corner block 400 islaid with front face 404 being utilized in wall segment 910 b in thebase layer and then in every other layer above the base layer. On thenext adjacent course corner block 400 is laid with front face 404 beingutilized in wall segment 910 a. Veneer panels 500 may be secured to thefront face 204 of the wall blocks as described above with eachindividual veneer panel 500 being attached to a front face 204 of eachblock 200 by means of clip 700 c. Corner veneer panel 500A may be thesame dimension as the area of the front face (or back face) of cornerblock 400 and is attached individually to the front face 404 of cornerblock 400 on the outside of the corner wall 900 b. The side face 406 or407 of corner block 400 that is exposed to the outside of wall 900 b hascorner veneer panel 500A that is connected with veneer clip 700 c and iseither field cut to the proper dimensional requirement as needed or maybe pre-formed as a second optional veneer panel for use in constructingthe wall with a 90 degree corner.

Veneer panels 500 may be attached to the back faces 205 of the insidecorner wall in an off-set manner as described whereby a veneer clip 700c from the back face 205 of one wall block 200 and one veneer clip 700 cfrom the back face 205 of a second adjacent block 200 may each engagethe receiving channels 522 from the same veneer panel. Corner block 400may be attached to veneer 500 and the same veneer panel 500 may beattached to the back face 205 of an adjacent block 200. It should benoted that the positioning of the veneer panels on the wall is notlimiting and that one veneer panel 500 may be utilized for eachindividual back face 205 of the inside corner wall 900 b and that aveneer panel may be attached to two adjacent blocks on the outside ofcorner wall 900 b as well, depending upon the application.

FIG. 8C illustrates a curvilinear wall 900 c formed from blocks 200 andveneer panels 500 and 600 of the present invention. Wall 900 c is formedwith all front faces 204 of blocks 200 orientated facing outward oneside of the wall and all back faces 205 orientated facing outward theopposite side of the wall with no space between the back faces whichcauses a consistent and constant radial curve to the wall. Veneer panels500 may be secured to the front face 204 of the wall blocks 200 asdescribed above with each individual veneer panel 500 being attached toan individual front face 204 of each block 200. Veneer panels 600 may besecured to the back face 205 of the wall blocks 200 as described abovewith each individual veneer panel 600 being attached to an individualback face 205 of each block 200.

It should be noted that the veneer panels that are connected to the wallmay have varying shapes and sizes depending upon the application. Forexample, a veneer panel may be sized to encompass the surface area ofmultiple faces of adjacent blocks, either vertically adjacent,horizontally adjacent or both. Further the veneer panels may be usedwith random sizes to create a random aesthetically pleasing surface to awall. Further, it should be noted that the size and shape of the blocksare not limiting either and that any size or shape may be employeddepending upon the application.

Although particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail,this has been done for purposes of illustration only, and is notintended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the followingappended claims. In particular, it is contemplated by the inventors thatvarious substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to theinvention without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the claims. For instance, the choices of materials orvariations in shapes are believed to be a matter of routine for a personof ordinary skill in the art with knowledge of the embodiments disclosedherein.

1. (canceled)
 2. A combination comprising a wall block, a veneer, and aveneer connector, the wall block having a front face, the front face ofthe wall block having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, the veneer having a connector channel for receiving a veneerconnector, and a veneer connector disposed within the wall blockconnector channel and the veneer connector channel, wherein the veneercomprises parallel top and bottom faces, parallel front and rear faces,and first and second side surfaces, the first side surface having afirst surface portion which angles outward from the front face and asecond surface portion which angles inward from the first surfaceportion towards the rear face.
 3. A combination comprising a wall block,a veneer, and a veneer connector, the wall block having a front face,the front face of the wall block having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector, the veneer having a connector channel forreceiving a veneer connector, and a veneer connector disposed within thewall block connector channel and the veneer connector channel, whereinthe veneer comprises parallel top and bottom faces, front and rearfaces, and first and second side surfaces, the rear face of the veneerhaving projections and valleys, the valleys extending from the top tothe bottom faces.
 4. A veneer connector comprising: a first shaft andsecond shaft, the first shaft being attached to the second shaft by abridge portion, the first and second shafts being parallel to eachother; and the first and second shafts each having vertical frictionribs and horizontal friction ribs located at different portions of eachshaft.
 5. The veneer connector of claim 4, wherein the first and secondshafts are offset from each other.
 6. The veneer connector of claim 5,wherein the first and second shafts are the same length.
 7. The veneerconnector of claim 6, wherein the bridge portion is substantiallyplanar.
 8. The veneer connector of claim 7, wherein the verticalfriction ribs of the first shaft point in the opposite direction as thevertical friction ribs of the second shaft.
 9. The veneer connector ofclaim 5, wherein the first shaft is longer than the second shaft andincludes a projection that can function as a pin.
 10. A veneer connectorcomprising: a first shaft and second shaft, the first shaft beingattached to the second shaft by a bridge portion, the first and secondshafts being parallel to each other; the first and second shafts eachhaving vertical friction ribs, the first and second shafts not beingoffset from each other, the first and second shafts being the samelength, and the bridge portion being substantially planar.
 11. A veneerconnector comprising a shaft and bifurcated horizontal prongs thatextend from the shaft.
 12. The veneer connector of claim 11, wherein theshaft has upper, middle, and lower portions, the upper and lowerportions having horizontal friction ribs, and the middle portion havingbifurcated horizontal prongs.
 13. The veneer connector of claim 11,wherein the bifurcated horizontal prongs comprise tabs at ends of theprongs.
 14. The veneer connector of claim 12, wherein the bifurcatedhorizontal prongs comprise tabs at ends of the prongs.